The effect of the lime-molybdenum interaction on some properties of pasture soils

Abstract

Molybdenum is the most recent addition to the list of those elements essential for plant growth. Such insignificant amounts are required to give benefit on deficient areas that results from its application are truly amazing, yet, where it is found to be necessary, application of this trace element may mean the difference between low and high pasture production. It appears that molybdenum will continue to be used in this country for numerous trials have indicated that as far as pasture production is concerned, a few ounces of molybdenum give results as good as several tons of lime in many cases. This work is an attempt to show the differences, if any, in soil structure, earthworm populations, organic matter content, mineralisation of soil nitrogen, exchangeable manganese content, and phosphate fixing power of the soil due to treatment in the field with lime and with molybdenum.